Vegas

[corky111111]

Hello all, a few months back I asked for advice on I-10 southern route from FL panhandle to Vegas. Got some great replies. Unfortunately the trip was postponed. Going now in early April. Still taking I-10 out towards Quartzite then north, I think. What is the best way to negotiate Houston? Preferably without tolls,if possible And, is there a time of day that is best? Mid morning? Any advice appreciated. Thanks, in advance

[RedHorse1]

Houston will likely make you a grumpy traveler. Try to avoid passing through 6-9 am and 3-7 pm but like any big city it’s always a crap-shoot. You can take I-10 straight thru town but I wouldn’t recommend it. I note you’d like to avoid tolls but the Beltway 8 might be your best choice. It’ll add some miles and you will pay a per axle toll. You can also choose to go north or south to get around down town, I’d prefer south but that’s just me. Closer to town is the I-610 loop which is free but always seems to be under construction.
As you get close to town have your navigator check the traffic delays using google maps or your favorite map app and pick what looks to be “least bad”.

[corky111111]

Thank you much for the info. I understand "least bad" sounds like beltway 8 and a few bucks may be the answer. Again, many thanks

[Lafitte]

Some of Beltway 8 is for EZ tag only . No manned toll booths . Just sayin.....

[RedHorse1]

Lafitte makes a good point about unmanned toll booths. If you take the Beltway North around town there is an unmanned booth crossing the ship channel. If you take the Beltway south around town you will encounter only booths that have people staffing some of the lanes. Make sure you have enough fuel to get thru town without exiting the toll road (many of the minor exits are unmanned) and you can take the southern loop. You also have the option of taking the 610 loop either north or south or following I-10 straight thru town for free.
Here’s an interactive map of the Houston toll roads:
https://www.hctra.org/TollRoadMap

I’ve noticed the toll roads in FL that are unmanned have a “we’ll bill you” option. Wow, imagine that, catering to out of state visitors.